Chris Carpenter
Contract: Signed through 2011, club option for 2012
- Height: 6-6
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Born: Apr 27, 1975
- Debut: May 12, 1997
SEASON
| IP | W | S | K | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 192.2 | 17 | 0 | 144 | 2.24 |
Newsbreakers
October 14, 2009
Dave Duncan will likely return as pitching coach of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010 if manager Tony La Russa decides to come back, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
"My inclination is not to go somewhere else," he said. There had been rumors that 2009 would be Duncan's last season in St. Louis after he became very publicly upset at the treatment and subsequent trading of his outfielder son Chris from the Cardinals. Those bad feelings appear to have dissipated, however, and Duncan says he has a good working relationship with Cards general manager John Mozeliak. His return would be great news for the likes of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, and surely ensure that both would again be Cy Young candidates in 2010.
October 10, 2009
Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa announced on Saturday that he will bring back Game 1 starter Chris Carpenter on short rest for Game 4 if the Cards can win on Saturday, according to the Twitter page of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Bernie Miklasz.
Our View:
It has been rumored that this would be the move, and it seems like the right one. The Cards are not in a good position down 2-0, but this thing isn't over yet. If the Cardinals can win today, they will have the two best pitchers in the NL coming back for Games 4 and 5.
October 9, 2009
MLB.com reports that the Cardinals may pitch ace Chris Carpenter on short rest if they can force a Game 4 against the Dodgers in the NLDS.
Our View:
Carp looked off his game in the series opener, but would likely be much better the second time around, as he rarely ever has two rough outings in a row. The Cards trail 2-0 in the series, but if they can muster a win at home in Game 3, Carp would take the hill the next day, followed by co-ace Adam Wainwright in Game 5. Nothing against postseason hero John Smoltz, but the Cards are likely to pull out all the stops and go with their big guns as often as they can.
October 8, 2009
The National League's best regular season pitcher hit a serious bump in the road in the NLDS opener. Chris Carpenter surrendered four runs over just five innings in a 5-3 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday.
Our View:
Carp certainly didn't have his best stuff and looked like he was laboring from the get-go. He allowed nine hits and a very un-Carpenter-like four walks over his five frames and threw 105 pitches before being yanked. This game was supposed to be a "gimme" for the Cardinals, but their ace stumbled and essentially left them high and dry. Look for him to be much, much better next time out.
October 5, 2009
According to MLB.com's Noah Coslov, Chris Carpenter has been named the National League Comeback Player of the Year.
Our View:
File this one under "obvious." After appearing in just five games the past two seasons, Carpenter may very well win the Cy Young award this year. In 28 starts, he went 17-4 with an NL-best 2.24 ERA.
October 1, 2009
Chris Carpenter was his usual dominant self in the Cardinals' 13-0 thrashing of the Reds on Thursday. Carpenter went five scoreless innings and allowed three hits while walking one and striking out six. Carp also hit a grand slam and drove in six runs in the win.
Our View:
Carp had a day, and he made his case for the NL Cy Young. The outing was short because the Cards were already up big, but Carp showed how dominant he is. He finished his 2009 season with a 2.24 ERA, and he is mathematically assured the NL ERA title after this performance. The grand slam and six RBI weren't bad either.
September 25, 2009
Chris Carpenter only issued one earned run on five hits over seven innings in Friday's 2-1 loss at Colorado. He had three walks and two strikeouts.
Our View:
The game was tied at 1-1 when Carpenter exited, so he was handed a no-decision for his strong performance. He is winless over his last two starts, despite only giving up one run over the span.
September 19, 2009
Chris Carpenter pitched a gem on Saturday against the Cubs, but was denied his 17th win of the season due to a blown save by closer Ryan Franklin. The Cards prevailed in the bottom of the ninth though for a 2-1 win that lowered their Magic Number to four.
Our View:
Carp tossed eight shutout innings, allowing just eight hits and two walks while striking out four. He looks to be back to his dominant self, after having his worst start of the season last time out and he just may bring home a second Cy Young when this season is over and done with.
September 13, 2009
Chris Carpenter may have cost himself a chance at the Cy Young award on Sunday as he was hammered by the Braves. Carp went six innings and allowed seven runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out three.
Our View:
Carp has been nearly untouchable all season, but even he isn't perfect. He probably cost himself a chance at the Cy Young with this outing, but his season has still been outstanding.
September 7, 2009
Chris Carpenter looked Cy Young-worthy on Monday as he shut down the Brewers. Carpenter threw a complete game shutout and allowed only one hit, an opposite field double, and two walks while striking out 10.
Our View:
This was complete and utter domination by Carp. Even the double by Jody Gerut was a bit of a fluke, so Carp was nearly perfect. He is now 16-3 on the season, and he has an ERA of 2.16. He is certainly in the conversation for the NL Cy Young.
September 2, 2009
Chris Carpenter didn't have his best stuff on Wednesday night, but it was still good enough for him to earn his 15th win. He allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks over six innings while fanning four in a 10-3 win over the Brewers.
Our View:
Carp's three walks were especially uncharacteristic on Wednesday. It marked just the second time all season he has walked more than two batters. Still, the Cardinals ace is now 15-3 on the season with a major league best 2.28 ERA and is neck and neck with Tim Lincecum for NL Cy Young honors.
August 27, 2009
Chris Carpenter wasn't quite as sharp as usual on Thursday, throwing 99 pitches in just six innings, but he also allowed only two runs en route to taking a no-decision in the Cards' 4-3 loss to Houston.
Our View:
The loss snapped a streak of six straight wins. His 2.20 ERA is still tops in the National League.
August 24, 2009
MLB.com is reporting that Cardinals' starter Chris Carpenter will have his next start bumped up to Thursday. Carpenter will be on regular rest, but he was moved up in the rotation to fill in for the injured Kyle Lohse.
Our View:
Carp kept a reasonably low pitch count in his seven shutout innings on Saturday, so he will be fine to go Thursday. Anytime the team can get him on the hill, it is a good thing as he was won six consecutive starts. We don't expect anything different from his this time out.
August 23, 2009
Chris Carpenter was his usual outstanding self on Saturday as the Cardinals blanked the Padres 7-0. Carpenter went seven scoreless innings and allowed three hits while walking three and striking out six.
Our View:
Carp has won six straight starts, and he is right in the thick of the NL Cy Young race. The three walks were a bit uncharacteristic, but it is hard to nit-pick his starts when he has been so good as of late. His 2.16 ERA is eye-popping, and he is closing quickly on Cy Young favorite Tim Lincecum.
August 17, 2009
Chris Carpenter allowed two earned runs on five hits over eight innings in Monday's close 3-2 win at Los Angeles. He issued one walk and racked up eight strikeouts.
Our View:
Carpenter earned a win in each of his last five starts, and has 13 wins for 2009, ranking second on the Cardinals behind Adam Wainwright (14). He has not taken a loss over his last nine starts as well.
August 12, 2009
Chris Carpenter struck out a season high ten in seven innings on Wednesday, improving to 12-3 as the Cardinals beat the Reds 5-2 at home.
Our View:
Carpenter's incomparable season rolls on. Through 19 starts, Carp is 12-3 with 97 strikeouts, a 2.27 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.
August 7, 2009
Chris Carpenter earned his 11th win of the season on Friday without his sharpest stuff, allowing four earned runs and two home runs in eight innings to the Pirates, as the Cardinals won 6-4.
Our View:
Carp's ERA and WHIP are still both a miniscule 2.27 and .96 respectively, and while he likely won't have pitched enough to warrant serious Cy Young consideration this season, he could be the NL's best pitcher.
August 1, 2009
Chris Carpenter only issued one earned run on eight hits over nine innings in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Astros at Busch Stadium. He had no walks with five strikeouts.
Our View:
Carpenter hurled his second complete game of the season, and earned his 10th win. The ace hurler is 5-0 over his last six starts, and leads the Cardinals with a 2.10 ERA.
July 27, 2009
Chris Carpenter only surrendered one earned run on nine hits over seven innings in Monday's 6-1 win over the Dodgers at Busch Stadium. He had two walks and two strikeouts.
Our View:
Carpenter collected his ninth win of the season, and lowered his ERA to 2.19. The ace hurler is 4-0 over five starts in July.
July 22, 2009
Chris Carpenter pitched eight sharp innings on Wednesday, but took a no-decision as Ryan Franklin blew his first save since May 10, and the Cardinals lost 4-3 in Houston.
Our View:
Carpenter continues to be incomparable in 2009, pitching like he's never missed a single day with injury. Despite his almost two year absence, he has a 2.26 ERA and WHIP below 1.00 this season.
July 18, 2009
Chris Carpenter was masterful again on Friday as the Cardinals beat the Diamondbacks 6-1. Carpenter went eight innings and did not allow a run on seven hits while walking one and striking out seven.
Our View:
Cards' fans and fantasy owners have come to expect this from Carp, and he did not disappoint tonight. His health is always a concern, but as long as he is healthy he should be a top fanasy option in the second half of the year.
July 10, 2009
Chris Carpenter gave up three earned runs on seven hits over six innings in Friday's 8-3 win at division rival Chicago. He had two walks and fired six strikeouts.
Our View:
Carpenter was not dominant today, but was good enough to claim his seventh win of the season. He is 2-0 so far this month after going 2-3 over six starts in June.
July 5, 2009
Chris Carpenter returned to form on Sunday in the Cardinals' 10-1 win over the Reds. Carpenter went seven innings and allowed one run on five hits while walking one and striking out five. He is now 6-3 on the year.
Our View:
Carp's ERA is down to 2.32 after this start, and he is pretty much unhittable most of the time. As long as he remains healthy, fantasy owners should expect big things from him in the second half.
June 30, 2009
Chris Carpenter was stomped for six earned runs on 11 hits over five innings in tonight's 6-3 loss to the Giants at Busch Stadium. He issued one walk with five strikeouts.
Our View:
He falls to 5-3, but still holds a solid 2.42 ERA. He has taken a loss in three of his last four starts, but should be able to bounce back fine.
June 25, 2009
Chris Carpenter lost the battle of the aces on Thursday as the Cardinals fell to Johan Santana and the Mets. Carpenter went seven innings and allowed three runs on four hits while striking out five. He is now 5-2 on the year.
Our View:
The Mets got all of their runs in the fourth inning, but other than that Carp was outstanding again. He is still dominant, and although today was one of his worst starts of the season, it really wasn't all that bad. As long as his health permits, Carp will be in the running for the Cy Young at the end of the season.
June 20, 2009
Chris Carpenter was fantastic again on Saturday as the Cardinals beat the Royals 7-1. Carpenter went 7.2 innings and allowed one run on three hits while walking two and striking out six. He is now 5-1 on the year.
Our View:
After being hit with his first loss of the season in his last start, Carp bounced back in a large way tonight. His ERA is now down to 1.53 on the season, and when he is healthy he may be the best pitcher in the NL. Fantasy owners need to pray for good health, because he can carry a fantasy rotation if he stays on the field.
June 14, 2009
Chris Carpenter was hit with his first loss of the season on Sunday as the Cardinals fell to the Indians 3-0. Carpenter went seven innings and allowed three runs on five hits while walkng one and striking out three.
Our View:
Carp wasn't quite as good tonight as we have become used to, but he was by no means bad. He is a top fantasy option as long as he stays healthy, so if you have him keep running him out there. Be careful with injuries, because Carp is known to be injury prone.
June 9, 2009
Chris Carpenter gave up three earned runs on six hits over six innings in Tuesday's 4-3 loss at Florida. He had one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View:
He ended the night with a no-decision, and is yet to take a loss over seven starts. This marks his worst outing for the season, but the ace hurler should bounce back fine.
June 4, 2009
Chris Carpenter enjoyed another strong outing, as he only allowed one earned run on three hits over nine innings in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Reds at Busch Stadium. He had no walks and three strikeouts.
Our View:
The Cardinals' ace hurler remains unbeaten at 4-0, and he allowed one or less earned runs in five of six starts. He picked up his first complete game of the season as well.
May 30, 2009
Chris Carpenter only surrendered two earned runs on six hits over six innings in Saturday's 6-2 win at San Francisco. He had one walk with five strikeouts.
Our View:
Carpenter claimed his third win and remains unbeaten over five starts. He did not allow any earned runs over his previous four starts as well. He should continue to generate strong fantasy numbers as long as he remains intact.
May 25, 2009
Chris Carpenter was impeccable in Monday's start against the Brewers. He allowed only two hits in eight shutout innings while striking out 10 Brewers. However, the Cardinals failed to score a run and lost 1-0 in 10 innings.
Our View:
Carpenter still has not allowed a run in 23 innings this season and has been the most dominant pitcher in the game when healthy going back to spring training. He threw 93 pitches today and he looks perfectly healthy. He is proving well worth the wait for those fantasy owners that waited out his stint on the DL.
May 21, 2009
Chris Carpenter returned to the Cardinals' rotation with a bang on Wednesday as he took the win in St. Louis' 2-1 victory over the Cubs. Carpenter went five innings and did not allow a run on on three hits while walking two and striking out four.
Our View:
That sound you heard was the collective sigh coming out of the city of St. Louis. Carp was very good tonight, and the Cardinals will need him to stay healthy if they are going to stay in contention for the rest of the season. His talent is unquestioned, but his health is always a concern.
May 20, 2009
Chris Carpenter remains set to return to the Cardinals' rotation Wednesday against the Cubs at Busch Stadium following his recovery from a strained left ribcage muscle, according to the Sports Network.
Our View:
Carpenter is 7-3 with a 3.08 ERA over 14 career starts against Chicago, and the ace hurler is worth penciling back into fantasy lineups. Ryan Dempster will be the opposing hurler for the Cubs.
May 17, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Chris Carpenter will be activated from the DL and he is expected to pitch on Wednesday against the Cubs. He has been out since mid-April with an oblique strain.
Our View:
Carpenter is making his return to the rotation after five weeks, and he has not thrown in any rehab outings. He was dominant through the spring and over 10 innings this season, but we are limiting our expectations for him this Wednesday. Expect him to be on some sort of a pitch count. He did throw a 120-pitch bullpen session on Friday.
May 17, 2009
Skipper Tony LaRussa indicated that Chris Carpenter may be an option to return to the Cardinals' rotation for Wednesday's game against the Cubs, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Another option would be to recall P.J. Walters from Triple-A. Carpenter is believed to be very close to returning, and won't need to make any rehab starts.
May 16, 2009
During Fox Sports' broadcast of the Cardinals-Brewers game on Saturday, the team reported that Chris Carpenter could be in line for the start on Tuesday.
Our View:
Carp is apparently about as ready as he can be, and with Friday's rain out he could pitch earlier than expected. He is way ahead of schedule and won't require a rehab start before rejoining the rotation. Be sure to get him into your lineup early next week as he is one of the best in the business when healthy.
May 15, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Chris Carpenter threw an extensive bullpen session on Friday. Carpenter simulated a pre-game warmup, four innings of work, and warmup periods between innings.
Our View:
Carpenter is expected to be ready to go sometime during the Cards' next homestand. Get ready to activate him in the near future, as is appears he is close to ready to go.
May 12, 2009
According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Chris Carpenter threw a bullpen session before Tuesday's game and reported no pain.
Our View:
This is great news for the Cardinals and Carpenter owners alike. The big right-hander's strained oblique is healing quickly and he has yet to suffer any setbacks. He has another side session planned for Friday and assuming all goes well he could start a game next week. When Carp is healthy he's one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL and can instantly upgrade a fantasy rotation.
May 11, 2009
Chris Carpenter is slated to throw off a mound today for the first time since straining his oblique, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
He has been progressing well, and could begin a rehab assignment soon. Barring a setback, he could return to St. Louis in late May.
May 8, 2009
According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Chris Carpenter threw an extra long toss session in the outfield before Friday's game against the Reds. He is suffering from a strained oblique.
Our View:
Carp will be off the mound again Tuesday and if all goes well, he'll have a bullpen session next Friday. He looks to be progressing well and could be targeted for a rehab assignment in the near future. His late May return date could even be bumped up a bit if he continues this positive progress.
May 7, 2009
Chris Carpenter, who is recovering from a strained left ribcage muscle, played catch with more intensity Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Carpenter is expected to throw a bullpen session today. He noted that how he fares in his pen sessions could determine whether or not he needs a rehab assignment before returning to St. Louis.
May 6, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Chris Carpenter will throw off of a mound on Tuesday. He is recovering from a strained oblique.
Our View:
Carp started playing catch on Monday and will continue to do so through the weekend. The Cardinals have yet to determine whether or not he will need a rehab assignment once he is ready to go. Carp has previously said that he has not lost any arm strength throughout the rehab. He will return in time to still make a significant contribution for his fantasy owners.
May 5, 2009
Chris Carpenter played catch Monday for the first time since landing on the DL with an oblique injury, and he was encouraged by the results, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I haven't lost any arm strength," Carpenter said. "You pick up a ball (without) throwing for 2½ weeks and you wonder how's it going to feel? It didn't feel like I hadn't thrown in 2½ weeks."
Our View:
Carp is expected to throw off a mound this weekend. It's unclear whether he would go out on a rehab assignment or simply return to the Cards rotation.
May 4, 2009
MLB.com reports that Chris Carpenter played catch on Monday and hopes to throw off of a mound later this week or early next week. He is recovering from a strained oblique.
Our View:
Carpenter must have gotten clearance from team doctors to play catch today. As of last week, he had still not been allowed to do so. He did say last Thursday that he no longer had pain in the oblique and he seems to be progressing nicely. Barring any setbacks, he could return prior to the mid-June date that was expected.
April 30, 2009
Chris Carpenter had good news on Thursday regarding the strain in his oblique, according to MLB.com. "The pain is gone," said Carpenter. "I still feel it in real extreme positions at times, but all my everyday stuff is back to normal." He has been running at full speed and hopes to get clearance to start playing catch from doctors on Monday.
Our View:
A week ago he was still having significant pain, so this is a good announcement to hear. There's still no time table for his return, and mid-June still seems to be the safest bet. Barring any setbacks, he could be back earlier.
April 21, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Chris Carpenter's left oblique injury continues to hurt him even in routine movements such as sneezing and rolling over in bed. He will not participate in any rehab work until the pain subsides completely. He does report that the injury does feel a lot better than it did a week ago.
Our View:
Carpenter may need the entire eight weeks to recover from the injury. He was dominant in his first 10 innings of work this season as he struck out nine against just two walks and did not allow a single run.
April 16, 2009
Chris Carpenter underwent a magnetic resonance imaging on Thursday that confirmed he had a torn left oblique muscle, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carpenter is expected to miss four to eight weeks before returning.
Our View:
Reports were projecting Carpenter to miss roughly six weeks after he was placed on the DL on Wednesday, so nothing much has changed. He remains a stud when healthy, although those times have unfortunately been few and far between the past several years for the former Cy Young Award winner.
April 15, 2009
The Cardinals placed Chris Carpenter on the DL Wednesday, and although club officials are reluctant to project how long he will be out, those familiar with the team's history of oblique injuries are projecting the pitcher to be out for at least six weeks, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
This is obviously bad news for Carpenter owners, but you probably had to expect him to be out at least that long. The team will call up Mitchell Boggs to fill Carpenter's spot in the rotation.
April 15, 2009
Chris Carpenter appears to be headed to the DL with his strained rib cage, according to the Associated Press. He sustained the injury while swinging a bat and he said, "I felt it just a little bit on that swing, and every warmup pitch got worse and worse until the last one bit pretty good. So there's nothing I could do about it but come out."
Our View:
The Cardinals will wait until today before deciding whether to send him to the DL. Carpenter has landed on the DL eight times with shoulder and elbow injuries since 1999.
April 15, 2009
Updating a previous report, Chris Carpenter's injury has in fact been labeled as an oblique strain. There is currently no timetable for his return.
Our View:
This is certainly good news. The fact that it isn't an arm injury allows Cardinal fans to collectively sigh, but it could still mean a trip to the DL.
April 14, 2009
Chris Carpenter left in the top of the fourth inning of Tuesday's game with an undisclosed injury. He threw three shutout innings before being pulled.
Our View:
Carp was throwing a warm-up pitch in the top of the fourth and grabbed his side. After coming up lame from his delivery he called to the trainer and exited immediately. This is very bad news for the Cardinals and fantasy owners alike, and every member of Cardinal Nation has cavernous ache in the pit of their stomachs. Best case scenario would be an oblique strain. As long as the injury doesn't reside in his pitching arm there may be some hope, but the Cards will be cautious with him due to his injury history. We'll update his status as soon as we know more.
April 9, 2009
Chris Carpenter allowed only one unearned run on one hit over seven innings in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Pirates at Busch Stadium. He walked two and struck out seven.
Our View:
Carpenter claimed his 10th win over 12 career starts against Pittsburgh. He was solid in spring training, and did not disappoint in his first start of 2009. He should be a rock-solid fantasy hurler, as long as he stays healthy.
April 9, 2009
Chris Carpenter is set for his first start of the season today against the Pirates at Busch Stadium, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He said, "Last year, I was coming back from surgery. This year, I am going out there to do everything I can until they have to take the ball away from me. I go into it thinking I will be OK."
Our View:
Carpenter was solid in spring training, and should be penciled into fantasy lineups. Carpenter has a good track record against Pittsburgh, as he is 9-1 with a 2.24 ERA over 11 career starts.
April 3, 2009
Chris Carpenter is not concerned about his strained left calf, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He said, "I am not concerned about it. It is getting better each day. If I had to pitch, I would pitch."
Our View:
Carpenter has fared very well in spring action, and is worth targeting as an injury-risk flier for mixed leagues. He should be ready to go for his first start of the regular season.
April 1, 2009
MLB.com reports that Chris Carpenter was scratched from his start this Friday due to a mild left calf strain. He does not expect to miss his season debut on April 9. He injured the calf while running on Monday.
Our View:
And so it begins. Carpenter has made just four starts over the past two seasons, but we do believe he will be there to throw on April 9. After that, it's really anyone's guess as to how long he'll last. He has had any excellent spring to date, but there is obviously a lot of injury concern regarding the former Cy Young award winner.
March 29, 2009
Chris Carpenter struck out seven batters in four and two-thirds innings Sunday against the Twins. He allowed four runs on seven hits.
Our View:
Carpenter faltered to allow his first runs in 23 and two-thirds innings this spring, but his strikeout total is encouraging. He appears to have returned from injury with the dominating location and demand he enjoyed during his tremendous campaigns in '04, '05, '06.
March 24, 2009
Chris Carpenter indicated that he would feel fine about taking the arm strength and "stuff" he had in Monday's start into a regular season game, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He fired six strikeouts over five innings against the Nationals Monday and pitching coach Dave Duncan said, "He was throwing the ball well enough that they weren't putting the ball in play early and he has a finishing pitch. When he gets to a 0-1, 1-2 count, he's going to try and put the guy away."
Our View:
Carpenter will remain an injury-risk, but is certainly worth targeting as a sleeper for mixed leagues.
March 23, 2009
Chris Carpenter threw five innings of solid ball on Monday, giving two runs (both unearned) on three hits against the Nationals. He also struck out six batters.
Our View:
As manager Tony LaRussa and pitching coach Dave Duncan extend Carpenter further into games, the more impressive he seems to get. Though he looks to be recovered from his plethora of injuries, Carpenter may carry a significant risk to take in high rounds, especially since his nerve or elbow conditions could flare back up at any moment.
March 18, 2009
Chris Carpenter fired six scoreless innings in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Baltimore, with three hits allowed, one walk and two strikeouts.
Our View:
Carpenter is worth targeting as a late-round flier in case he can bounce back healthy this season. Today's solid outing was encouraging.
March 12, 2009
Chris Carpenter had another successful start on Thursday, tossing four scoreless innings against the Red Sox. The former Cy Young winner allowed two hits and two walks, and has yet to give up a run this spring.
Our View:
If Carpenter can remain healthy he will be an absolute fantasy steal in '09. Still, exercising caution seems appropriate given that he hasn't been a full-time starter since the 2006. Regardless, with each solid outing his fantasy stock continues to climb.
March 6, 2009
Chris Carpenter threw two scoreless innings, with two hits allowed, in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Mets in the Grapefruit League, with one walk and one strikeout.
Our View:
Carpenter is yet to allow a run over two spring appearances. He will remain a risky fantasy option, but should move up draft boards a bit more following today's outing.
February 28, 2009
Chris Carpenter looked like his old self on Saturday against the Nationals. He pitched two perfect innings to earn the win before being relieved by Ryan Franklin.
Our View:
Carpenter would be a risky pick with his injury history, but appearances like this will shoot him up draft boards.
February 28, 2009
Chris Carpenter is set to take the mound against the Nationals Saturday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He will be limited to 40-45 pitches. He is not worried about his mechanics and he said, "I know with the way that I feel that I am not too concerned about it. I feel good. I feel strong."
Our View:
Carpenter is among the best hurlers in the majors when healthy, and he will begin moving up draft boards with a solid spring, starting today against Washington.
February 24, 2009
Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter threw a live batting practice session on Tuesday and said that everything felt good, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Carpenter will be an interesting guy to watch in fantasy drafts. He hasn't been healthy in two years, but when he is, he can be dominant. Owners shouldn't count on a full season from him, but would be wise to take a chance on him somewhere in the later rounds for a big potential reward.
February 20, 2009
The Cardinals have indicated that their rotation for 2009 is already set with Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, Kyle Lohse, Todd Wellemeyer and Joel Pineiro, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
The only uncertainty right now is Chris Carpenter as he attempts to be ready for the start of the season while recovering from elbow surgery. For the first time in four springs, there is no competition for one of the rotation spots.
February 18, 2009
Chris Carpenter is yet to face live hitters, but he threw at around 75-80 percent during a side session Tuesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carpenter displayed improved velocity and a sharper breaking pitch, and pitching coach Dave Duncan said, "He is at the point where he is upset with himself if he does not paint. I would not mind if he took what he showed today into a game."
Our View:
His recovery from elbow surgery has been positive so far, and he remains on pace to make his Grapefruit League debut on February 28.
February 15, 2009
Chris Carpenter threw off of a mound for the first time this spring on Sunday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He threw 20-plus pitches, including some breaking balls.
Our View:
Carpenter has missed pretty well all of the past two seasons with various shoulder and elbow issues. So far, so good as he appears to be on the same spring schedule as every other pitcher in camp. He is one player that should be monitored very closley this spring by would-be fantasy owner's.
February 13, 2009
Chris Carpenter is set to make his Grapefruit League debut February 28, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Carpenter will be held back at the first sign of stress, however. Kyle McClellen is waiting as the No. 6 starter in case Carpenter needs more time. Carpenter is scheduled to throw today off the mound for the second time since undergoing surgery in November for a nerve problem in his elbow, and he will then face hitters in batting practice in 9-10 days.
February 12, 2009
Chris Carpenter did not experience any pain during a 10-minute throwing session yesterday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Pitching coach Dave Duncan said, "I cannot imagine him being much better than he is right now." Carpenter added, "I feel good. I have been working hard. I started preparing myself like always to be ready to pitch no matter what the outcome with my arm might be. And that was months ago when it wasn't as strong as it is now and nobody knew what was going to happen."
Our View:
Carpenter will throw again Friday, and will work in some breaking balls. This is encouraging news regarding his chances to take the hill on opening day.
February 11, 2009
Cardinals hurler Chris Carpenter took to the mound in Florida on Wednesday, throwing for around 10 minutes, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Carpenter has essentially missed two seasons after a variety of arm injures. He'll throw again on Friday, and by all accounts, should have a normal spring.
February 10, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that starter Chris Carpenter will take the mound Wednesday for the first time since a nerve injury ended his 2008 season. Pitching coach Dave Duncan said Carpenter's first spring start will be Feb. 28 against Washington.
Our View:
Second-year pro Kyle McClellan, who impressed last season out of the bullpen, will be the "No. 6 starter" and will likely take Carpenter's place in the rotation should more health issues arise for the former Cy Young winner.
February 4, 2009
Pitching coach Dave Duncan is encouraged by Chris Carpenter's status for the start of the season, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Carpenter can pitch on a normal routine in spring training, and does not have to be held back. Duncan is optimistic and believes Carpenter will be in the Cardinals' opening day rotation.
January 16, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss has reported on 1380 AM in St. Louis that the Cardinals have received great news on Chris Carpenter, and, barring any setback, the righty is expected to be in the rotation on opening day. Carpenter, who has dealt with elbow and shoulder trouble over the last two years, is only one week behind the schedule he would be on if he were heading into a completely healthy offseason.
Our View:
This is terrific news for Carpenter and the Cards, but the former Cy Young winner is far from out of the woods. Fantasy owners will be monitoring his progress this spring very closely.
January 12, 2009
MLB.com reports that the Cardinals are pleased with the progress of Chris Carpenter's rehabilitation from both Tommy John surgery and a procedure to fix a nerve problem in his throwing shoulder. "His elbow looks great," general manager John Mozeliak said. "It's really a non-issue at this point. As far as his shoulder, he's gaining strength and right now all signs are very positive."
Our View:
The talk in St. Louis has been that Carpenter could possibly spend the '09 season filling in as an impromptu closer because of the relative youth of the other two candidates for the slot, Chris Perez and Jason Motte.
January 11, 2009
The Boston Globe reports that Chris Carpenter has begun throwing and he expects to be on a normal throwing program heading into spring training. "After two very frustrating and miserable years, I just want to feel healthy again. I feel if my arm and elbow are fine, I'll be able to do what I've always done." He is recovering from nerve surgery in his shoulder.
Our View:
Carpenter has done next to nothing in two seasons. If there is concern about overusing him, the Cardinals may opt to bring him out of the bullpen, possibly as the closer. Monitor his spring training closely before you consider drafting him.
January 4, 2009
Chris Carpenter might be considered for closing by Cardinals manager Tony La Russa if he's not healthy enough to start in 2009, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
The Cardinals missed out on Brian Fuentes, who they would've liked to close, and now will likely have to look at internal options. La Russa is reluctant to hand the job to youngsters Chris Perez or Jason Motte, so Carpenter could work even though he'd be more productive as a starter.
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